Goldberg Group Central

Increase in naturally triggered avalanches already in early morning

Increase in naturally triggered avalanches already in early morning

Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE as of early morning, the main danger stems from loost-snow and glide-snow avalanches, which can often sweep along wet old snow and grow to medium size, esp. on very steep slopes and in rough and rocky terrain on S/E/W facing slopes up to high alpine regions and on north-facing slopes up to 2600 m. On steep wind-protected slopes in extended north-facing terrain, small-to-medium loose-snow avalanches are possible. The danger of glide-snow avalanches is again increasing. They are possible in all aspects and at any time of day or night. In high starting zones which have not yet discharged they can be medium-sized and plummet down to greenlands, esp. from starting zones where there is still sufficient snow on the ground on N/E facing slopes. Avoid zones below glide cracks. All backcountry activities should be terminated early in the day. Keep an eye on surrounding terrain when planning ascents and descents.

The snowpack on north-facing slopes is up to 2600 m isotherm and moist, on E/W facing slopes up to 3000 m, and on south-facing slopes up to summit levels. On sunny slopes, many areas below 1800 m are again bare of snow. The moist sticky fresh snow has bonded well and forms a thin melt-freeze crust during the night, then quickly softening in the morning. After summery days with wet snowpack and rainfall up to high alpine regions, risk of weak layers (possible slab avalanches) requires consideration. In steep grass-covered terrain which has not yet discharged, glide-snow avalanches are releasing, these can plummet down to bare slopes.

Thin cirrus clouds will pass through during the night, heavier clouds will move in during the latter part of the night, reducing outoing radiation. The air is mild: at 2000 m: 11 degrees. Windows of sunshine in the morning will soon be closed by heavy cloud cover, the air will become moister. As of midday, rain showers, snowfall level 2500-2900 m. In afternoon and evening, heavy showers and thunderstorms are possible, winds can reach speeds of 40 km/hr. At 2000m: dropping from 9 to 5 degrees; at 3000 m: from 2 to 0 degrees. On Monday night, rainfall/snowfall intermittently. At high altitudes: 10-20 cm of fresh snow anticipated.

Precipitation will reinforce gliding snow activity on Tuesday. Snowdrift problem due to fresh snow and strong NW winds.